Johnny reckons there’s an actual science to creating a happy home and says he specialises in “emotionally intelligent” designs for houses.

“Experts now even use MRI scans to discover how our surroundings affect our minds,” says Johnny, who believes there’s a few simple golden rules to choosing the right colours, furnishings and accessories to cheer up your house (see www.johnnygrey.com).

“One of the reasons we now enjoy open plan spaces in our homes is that by creating an uninterrupted view from the front of the house to the garden, we feel more secure,” he says.

“That relates back to our primeval basic instinct to crave a clear view so we can be quickly aware of any predators.”

Hard-edged, industrial-style kitchens should be avoided, he advises. “Kitchens should be sociable spaces where we gather.

“So you should be able to make eye contact and talk to people whilst you are cooking, as this gives you a boost of oxytocin and serotonin, the happiness hormones.”

Away from the kitchen, fires and a hearth make us happy as they symbolise warmth, food and sociability, he adds.

Pushing sofas against walls, putting chairs in view of doors, and holding on to a little clutter can make people feel more secure, adds Johnny.

And it’s not just about positioning furniture, your home should reflect your personality, says psychologist Dr Colin Gill.

Dr Gill, a consultant for HomeSense (www.homesense.com), which sells designer homeware at discount prices, says people fall into four ‘home personality’ types: the Sophisticate, the Connoisseur, the Globalist and the Cosmopolitan.

“Those that dress their homes to match their type as closely as possible will always feel happiest in their surroundings,” he says.

Sophisticates love bright, yet practical spaces, with many men falling into this category. Top buys are a HomeSense bright red chandelier, £14.99, and a versatile Marks & Spencer Urbino corner group sofa, £1,249 (0845 603 1603/www.marksandspencer.com).

For Connoisseurs, it’s all about high quality, character and, although they favour a minimalist look, that’s so there’s enough space to showcase carefully collected treasures.

Globalists love nature and earthy colour tones, such as browns and greens. They are also eco-conscious and are usually travellers who delight in displaying handmade artefacts collected from the countries they’ve visited.

Cosmopolitans love an eclectic mix of treasures from different cultures and periods., including vintage crockery and exotic styles. Top buys for them include HomeSense’s crockery, from £1.99 for a plate.

Meanwhile, Veronique Henderson, creative director at Colour Me Beautiful (www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk), believes that choosing colours for your rooms that you naturally warm to and flatter you - your favourite clothes may also be in those shades - will make you feel more confident and positive in your home.